Adonis's Departure is not Good News for Regional Development

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Jane Lambert

For those who have never heard of the National Infrastructure Commission, I described it as an executive agency of the Treasury consisting of a chair, a deputy chair and 9 commissioners (see Jane Lambert Partnering for Prosperity: A new deal for the Cambridge- Milton Keynes-Oxford Arc 21 Nov 2017 NIPC East), Its purpose is to offer impartial, expert advice and recommendations to the government on economic infrastructure which includes energy, transport, water (drainage sewerage and flood management) and digital communications. Its objectives are to support sustainable economic growth across all regions of the UK and improve competitiveness and the quality of life.

Lord Adonis was the chair of that Commission and his resignation earlier today is not good news for the regions.  That is because they look to the Commission to secure the funding that they need for the improved transport links and the other requirements identified in the Midlands Engine Strategy. the Northern Powerhouse Strategy and PARTNERING FOR PROSPERITY: A new deal for the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford Arc.

 Having served as a minister in both the Blair and Brown governments Lord Adonis is well connected and knows how government works. He has used that knowledge to great effect campaigning recently to limit university Vice-Chancellor's pay. Had he remained in post there is a very good chance that he would have used his knowledge and connections to force through such projects as fast rail links between Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield and the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge ARC.

It is to be hoped that the Prime Minister will replace Lord Adonis with a public servant of similar energy and vision but such individuals do not grow on trees.   Moreover the ministry of which the Commission is an executive agency is the Treasury which has many other concerns. There will be a temptation to leave the Commission to wither on the vine. Should that happen HS3, a 5th generation mobile network and all the other infrastructure projects that the UK needs may never be built.

Should anyone wish to discuss this article, I can be reached on +44 (0)20 7404 5252 during office hours or through my contact form.

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